Gauteng's Democratic Alliance leader John Moodey was ousted by Janet Semple at the party's provincial congress election, it was announced on Sunday.
Semple trumped Moodey in the polls at the Krugersdorp Town Hall on Saturday.
"I lost by eight votes - politics," said Moodey.
"As the previous provincial leader, I know that she has a strong team of people that she will be working with and I am very confident that the province is in good hands."
Moodey said he would put his loss behind him and work with Semple for the greater good of the party.
"I will work together with Janet. You don't need a title to be a leader. We need to continue to grow as a party and show voters that there is a viable opposition to the ANC." - Sapa